August was hot and busy, and to be quite honest I don’t know where it went!
I took a fair bit of time out, visiting best friends and family, stepping away from writing for the most part, and getting out of routine – so this month’s selection is a little thin on the ground.
However, I will always share my favourite things with you, regardless of how sparse the list is. So, if you’re feeling nosey, read on!
Reading…
Eat Up by Ruby Tandoh
I’ve been singing the praises of this book over the last few weeks, having finished it in mid-August. It’s a wonderful non-fiction concoction that will leave you educated and salivating. I gave it five stars on Goodreads; you can find out why in my book review.
How to be a Woman by Caitlin Moran
I’m on a bit of a mission to read everything Caitlin writes, and this was next on the list. This book was excellent, exactly as I expected, and I will be reviewing it soon…promise!
How Two Years Of Instagram Stories Has Altered The Way We Love, Act And Play
This piece for Esquire grabbed my attention while scrolling through Twitter and it proved a fascinating read. We all know that most of Instagram is all for show, but it’s interesting to focus a little more on Instagram Stories as a separate entity.
“The downside of having a virtual guest list is that it soon instilled the constant need to throw a party.”
Watching…
Like Father
I watched this on a whim one Saturday night and it was really enjoyable; another lovely production from Netflix. A workaholic (Kristen Bell) gets left at the altar and ends up being trapped on her honeymoon cruise with her estranged father (Kelsey Grammar). It makes for a surprisingly emotional watch – and funny, too!
The Sinner
I’m not normally one for detective shows, but my best friends and I binge watched this show while I was visiting and we were hooked. This is a truly gripping show, and honestly one of the best things I’ve watched this year, even if there are some slightly odd/awkward moments. A must-watch, if you like a modern mystery. It has a cracking cast, too.
Super 8
Another film I should have watched a long time ago. This movie took me back to Speilberg’s classics; it had a hint of ET and Close Encounters about it, with a little Stranger Things added for good measure. I’m still listening to the score, and I know I’ll be putting it on again soon.
Visiting…
Whipsnade Zoo
I’ve not been to a zoo in a really long time, so while visiting the aforementioned friends, we popped along to Whipsnade for the day. We had great fun and learned a lot about some pretty incredible animals, many of which rely on the conservation work of zoos to survive. I even got to practice with my camera, which was a bonus! It just goes to show these places aren’t just for kids.
BP Portrait Award 2018 at the National Portrait Gallery
I used to try to go and see the BP Portrait Award religiously after I first went for GCSE Art. It’s been a while, though. I finally stopped by again in August with my Mum when I took some time off work, and it was worth the wait.
This year’s exhibition was, as usual, stunning, and contained some really wonderful, powerful, skilled and even emotional pieces. I love that this exhibition brings artists of all skills, backgrounds, and levels together and celebrates their technique and eye, as well as a huge range of subjects. I’m already penciling in next year’s date.
The BP Portrait Award is on at the National Portrait Gallery until 23rd September
Practicing…
Hatha Yoga
My yoga practice has been a little lacking over the last month, due to busy summers and changing schedules (you can read more about it here) – but I tried Hatha Yoga at In Balance for the first time in late August and fell in love.
Hatha is (apparently) slower, and more focused on pairing your breath with movement (more so than ‘normal’ yoga). I think I’ve actually found a new favourite and am eagerly waiting for my next free Friday night so I can go again.
Jo Fisher Writes 
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